For most farmers, the start of a season is a time of energy, optimism, and the comforting rhythm of returning to the soil. For David Pearman, owner and lead grower at One Rock Farm & Farmacy in Howard County, Maryland, March 1st has always marked the official kickoff — when he shifts into high gear and gets back to daily farm work on his 2.5-acre diversified market garden. But in 2024, that hopeful rhythm was shattered in a single moment.
“On the last day of February, I tore my right Achilles tendon playing basketball,” David shared. “Just hours before my season starts, that injury happened — and I couldn’t walk at all for three months.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse. With a small farm store, a 50-member CSA program, and a bounty of vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, herbs, and cut flowers to grow, David is the primary labor force behind One Rock — working 70 to 80 hours per week through most of the year. “I thought the whole 2024 season was over before it had even gotten started.”
But something unexpected happened.
“I made a call out to my community for help,” he said, “and I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who reached out to me in support.”
Over 50 volunteers showed up. Some came once. Others made it part of their weekly or monthly routine. They weeded, planted, watered, and harvested. They brought him meals when he couldn’t cook for himself. And just two days after surgery — on crutches — David was back out on the land, giving instructions to 25 people who had gathered to keep the farm going.
“I learned firsthand the power of community and why it’s so important for us as humans to exist together.”
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable: One Rock Farm & Farmacy didn’t just survive the season — it thrived. Despite what should have been a setback year, David saw his farm’s revenue increase by more than 30%.
This wasn’t just a story of injury and recovery — it became a testament to resilience, mutual aid, and what can happen when a farm is truly rooted in its community.
“I just wanted to share how key it is to have real community built around farms,” David said.
And now, thanks to that community, One Rock is back on its feet — stronger than ever.